BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- In a unique spin on regularly recurring Bomber Task Force (BTF) missions in Europe, Air Force Global Strike Command B-52 Stratofortress strategic bombers will fly over all 30 NATO nations in Europe and North America today, Aug. 28.
This single-day mission titled Allied Sky is intended to demonstrate NATO solidarity, enhance readiness and provide training opportunities aimed at enhancing interoperability for all participating aircrews from the U.S. and NATO allies.
Allied Sky is the latest iteration of routine BTF missions that have occurred in the European theater of operations since 2018, with more than 200 sorties coordinated with Allies and partners. BTF missions are long-planned and not in response to any current political events occurring in Europe. Allied Sky will be conducted by two teams: B-52 Stratofortress bomber aircraft currently deployed to Royal Air Force (RAF) Fairford, U.K., will fly the European portion of the mission. B-52 Stratofortresses assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot Air Force Base, N. D., will fly over the NATO nations of Canada and the United States.
NATO nations scheduled to participate in the mission and integrate with the bomber aircraft include Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Turkey, the U.K. and the U.S. Operations and engagements with Allies and partners serve as cornerstones highlighting USEUCOM’s commitment to global security and stability. These opportunities also serve as a reminder that, despite ongoing challenges presented by COVID-19, U.S. forces remain fully ready to execute their missions across all domains while enhancing interoperability alongside Allies and partners.
Footage of the B-52 Stratofortress bomber aircraft in flight is available at
Air Force Global Strike Command is comprised of more than 33,700 Airmen and civilians assigned to two numbered air forces, 11 wings, two geographically-separated squadrons and one detachment in the continental United States, and deployed to locations around the globe. The command oversees two-thirds of the Nation’s nuclear weapons including all bomber and Intercontinental Ballistic Missile operations for the U.S. Department of Defense. More information can be found at: https://www.afgsc.af.mil/Library/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/454593/air-force-global-strike-command-air-forces-strategic-air/